Landlords know they need to provide safe property, but it can be difficult to tell whether a house is safe or not. There are some issues that everyone can spot if they are safe, but there are many issues which are only seen or uncovered by an expert. It would be fair to say that electrical safety is an area where landlords need help from experts.

At Hunters Camberwell, we believe landlords can improve their service by turning to experts for assistance. We are always on hand to assist you, and you should consider qualified electricians as being professionals you can also trust. A landlord that doesn’t provide a safe property exposes themselves to financial risks. Landlords may face financial penalties and invalidated insurance if they don’t meet electrical safety expectations.

Don’t put tenants at risk

Events in recent years have increased awareness of how fast fires can spread, and the damage that electrical fires and accidents can cause. As a landlord, you have legal responsibilities to meet concerning electrical safety, and there will be further changes for electrical safety shortly. If or when changes occur, we will provide you with further information and any guidance on how to comply with new regulations.

Landlords are required, by law, to ensure that their property features safe electrical installation at the point a tenant moves in. This standard of electrical safety must remain in place throughout the lease.

If the rental property is a House in Multiple Occupation, an HMO, landlords are required to carry out a periodic inspection every five years. This test must be carried out by a qualified professional and is more than a cursory look.

When the property is not an HMO, there is currently no legal obligation for landlords to carry out this test. However, this is likely to change soon. Even if no change occurs shortly, it is recommended landlords hire a qualified professional to undertake a check on their electrical installation.

Electrical appliances provided by landlords must be safe

When a landlord provides electrical appliances or goods, these items must be safe. At a minimum, these electrical appliances or products must contain the CE marking. A landlord should also undertake regular necessary safety checks making sure electrical devices are in good working order.

To ensure safety in the residential property, landlords should ensure tenants know how to work electrical appliances. When a tenant moves in, the landlord should offer guidance on how devices work. Also, landlords should provide the manufacturer manual on how the appliance works.

In a period between tenancies, it is recommended landlords carry out a visual inspection alongside a qualified electrician. This inspection and any subsequent recommendations will allow for upgrades or improvement when the property is empty. The importance of electrical safety cannot be understated, and it is essential landlords create a safe and welcoming home environment for tenants.

If you need assistance in caring for your property or tenants, contact Hunters Camberwell, and we will be more than happy to assist you.